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Bouncers and Shakers

On the 7th, 8th, and 9th of June, Wincanton Youth Theatre present John Godber’s acclaimed comedic social commentaries, Bouncers and Shakers. Bouncers and Shakers is two plays, either side of the intermission, that have it all. Sexual relationships, drinking, gang mentality and political commentary, and that’s only in the ride over in the taxi.

The play, directed by Sarah Nias, is often a studied in GCSE Drama. ‘In choosing it,’ said Sarah, ‘the cast members, most of which are GCSE and A-Level drama students, have benefited greatly. They have astounded me with their ability for razor-sharp timing and fast-paced role changing flexibility.

‘Bouncers & Shakers is a stylised play that is actor-centred where the cast have to portray over 20 different characters with no props, scene or costume changes. The play relies heavily on the strong physicality, mime technique and characterisation skills of its actors. These eight teenagers are proving to have these qualities in abundance. They have certainly risen to the challenge.’

‘This is our second show in a month,’ said Andrew Warren, the group’s producer. ‘This time, it’s the older members of the Theatre showing what they can do. And they’re brilliant. Portraying so many characters, without the safety net of props or set. It’s a really funny show. I know it’s been a dream of Sarah’s to direct this pair of plays since she was at drama college and no older than our cast. She has worked tirelessly with the cast and crew to realise her vision. The choice of the drama studio at King Arthur’s Community School was deliberate, helping to create the claustrophobic atmosphere of a 1980s night club in a provincial town.’

So join us back when Madonna was “like a virgin”, in the decade that invented excess. Come and spend a night with lads on the pull; with girls on the town; in a night club where anything goes. Meet Lucky Eric, Les, Judd and Ralph, the bouncers on the door of any night club in any provincial market town. Bouncers is about working-class Britons at play. It occupies the night-time, a nightmarish vision of the club world. Spend the rest of the night with Adele, Mel, Carol and Nicky as they get made up, put on their smiles and their heels, and head to work in Thatcherite Britain. Set in a trendy bar that provides a means of escape from the gruelling pressure of life in the eighties. And from these tropical dream worlds emerges a sad reality as observed by our female waitresses. A fascinating view of the reality that lurks behind the plastic palms and Pina Coladas.

Tickets £10 available online: WincantonYouthTheatre.org/Tickets or on the door. Be warned, the drama studio has only 60 seats, so early booking is advisable.